Color changeable sandles

ABSTRACT

What is new in this applied concept for sandal footwear made with side flap Attachments is the application and use of removable and replaceable Straps that are fitted with clip in buckles attached to strap ends that then connect And buckle into plastic clip in receiver buckles positioned onto the side flaps By a fabricated loop that is attached by sewing to the side flaps. The recepticle Buckles interlock into the receiver buckles that are attached to the side flaps. The purpose of the changeable straps and buckles being to change color designs On a sandal without the manufacture of a new entire pair every time change is Desired. The “COLOR CHANGEABLE SANDAL”, is a do it yourself technique And application that allows the consumer to have a choice in the design and/or Color of their sandal by use of the color change straps. The straps are adjustible By means of velcro on them. A variety of prints and solid colors may be Applied to the sandal by use of the straps. The straps are fitted and designed For safe and comfortable wear and may be applied to men, women, and children Sandal types.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is in reference to the provisional utility application filed on Apr. 23, 2004, being file number, 17513, U.S.P.T.O., 60/564,454 and titled, “COLOR CHANGEABLE SANDALS”.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPEMENT

“NOT APPLICABLE”

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

“NOT APPLICABLE”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The claimed footwear here in, being “COLOR CHANGEABLE SANDALS” And straps, were invented for the purpose of being able to change the color And/or print designs on a one pair set of sandals at a time by the use of Fabricated straps that are removeable and replaceable.

The side flaps on a sandal bottom have a piece of material made on them. This piece of material is wedged between the bottom sole and the instep Sole of a sandal base. The side flaps have a loop attached on them on the outter Sides that secures the reciever buckle to the shoe. The reciever and loops are positioned to accomodate the clip-in straps for wear And design change by replacement of the straps.

The straps are removeable and replaceable by use of plastic clip-in buckle Recievers and recepticles. They may be used in combination with each other On the sandal base. The straps have a clip in buckle on each end of them. These buckle into the reciever buckle on the side flaps of the bottom of the Shoe. The straps unbuckle with ease to change a strap as desired. The Changeing of a strap creates a new design or color on the sandal.

The straps may be used as a one color tone pair, or a combination of different Colors may be applied.

The problem with the prior sandal footwear made with straps is that the straps Are permanently attached to the shoe and accomodate a one design type shoe That is limited in fashion color co ordination to various fashion wear by the Consumer. The consumer must purchase a new pair of sandals each time a change Is desired to co ordinate with their fashion clothing. This type of manufacture And purchaseing is more expensive to both create and buy, and it limits the Consumers choice for fashion wear.

The color change system allows the consumer a choice in the design and color Of thier sandal choice and allows a do it yourself technique to create that change.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The claimed footwear and changeable straps are used to change the appearance Of the sandal for wear with regard to color and print designs haveing Application to the sandal. The straps are adjustible for comfort and wear. The Straps clip-in with ease and remove just as easy for change of them. One pair of Sandals made with the color change side flap attachments and the reciever Buckles on them can accomodate several color combinations of the changeable Straps as desired by choice of straps and base side flaps.

The advantage that the color change sandal and straps have over prior art types Of a strap sandal made with side flaps is;

-   A. The color change sandal has straps that are removeable and     replaceable. -   B. The design or colors on a sandal can be changed useing the straps     with less Expense and time. -   C. The consumer has a choice in the color and/or print used on their     Sandals and they may initiate the change by use of the straps. -   D. The color change sandal solves prior art problems in that one     pair of sandals Can be changed to create several designs on that one     pair for fashion change. The prior types can only show a new color     or design by building a complete New pair of sandals overall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Sheet 1/, FIG. 1A, is the hard bottom sole of the sandal here in known as The bottom base of the shoe which may be manufactured by machine in the Form of quality sandal footwear bottom soles that comply to regulations There of. The overall thickness of the hard bottom sole being about 3/4ths. In. To 1 in. From the bottom side to the top surface side of the sole. This applies to the heal area of the shoe. The toe area should be about 3/4ths. In. Thick from bottom side to top side of the hard bottom sole.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 1B, is the top surface side of the hard bottom sole. This shows where the glue will be applied on the surface of the bottom Sole in which the side flaps will adhere to.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 2 A, is the side flaps which are made of various Types of material such as denim, suede, clothe, or any material that will Be strong enough to secure straps for wear. The shape of the flaps is not Relevent, but it is suggested that they be made to securely hold the straps In the correct position for wear as well as looks. The demensions herein Applied to this application are as follows for the flaps.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 2A, the upper side and area of the flap is about ½ in. Thick And about 1 and ½ in. Wide side to side and narrows at the top of the flap to About ¾ in. In width being a rounded shape.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 2B., is the seam line around the outer edge of the upper Area of the flap. The seam line is about ¼ in. Inward from the outer edge Of the flap.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 2C, is the bend on the flap. This is a fold in the material that allows The material flap to be bent slightly to attach the bottom half of the flap to Attach the flap to the sandal bottom. This fold is about ⅛ in. wide By 2 and ¼ in. Long and is made into the flap at the bottom side of the upper Flap area.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 2D., is the bottom half of the front side flap of the sandal. This piece is about 1 and ¼ in. Wide from top to bottom and about 1 and ½ in. Long. This sewn piece of material lays onto the surface of the Bottom, hard sole of the shoe and attaches to the shoe strength glue that is Applied to Sheet 1/ FIG. 1B. It is pressed down to adhere the flap bottom End to the surface of the hard bottom sole or base of the shoe.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 2 E., is the seam line on the bottom half of the shoes front side Flaps. It is about ⅛ in. Wide from the outer edge of the bottom flap half and Is sewn around the entire border of this half of the flap. The material being used for the side flaps on this application consist of A piece of suede fabric, a piece of cushioney foam about ⅛ in. thick and Another piece of suede fabric to create the side flaps. The suede is placed on The outer sides of the foam piece. This creates a padding for the footwear. The same concept and measures apply to both front sides of the sandals Side flaps. These are placed approximately 1 in. From the tip of the largest toe Side at that side of the base and the other is placed at about 1 in. From the smallest Toe side of the shoe at the toe end. The flaps may also be machine sewn Onto the surface of the bottom sole and aligned to FIG. 2E s seam line Therein.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 3A, is the back side flap of the sandal which is also made of the Fabric material and foam that the front flaps are made of FIG. 3A., is the top Of the heal area side flaps. It is about 4 in. Long from end to end and has a Height of 3 in. At the back end side, a height of 2 in. At the middle of the flap And a height of 1 in. At the front end of this flap. The highest part being at The rear of the flap piece and the lowest part being at the front end towards the Toe area of the shoe. It is in a slant position on the sandal bottom. Both side Flaps are made exact to one another and placed on the sandal bottom the same.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 3B., is the seam line for the fabric on the flap. The material is the Same on the back flaps as it is on the front flaps. The seam line is about ⅛ in. From the top edge of the flap inward.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 3 C., is the fold or bend of the flap. It is about ⅛ in. Wide by 3 and ¼ in. Long overall. The bend/fold is not seen once the soles are together.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 3D., is the bottom of the rear side flap. It is about 1 in. Wide By 3 and ¼ in. Long. This bottom half of the flap is placed onto the surface Of the bottom hard sole and adheres to the glue. It may also be sewn into this Surface by machine.

Sheet 1/, FIG. 3E., is the seam line that shows the sewn on bottom half of the flap. It is about ⅛ in. Wide from the outer edge of the flap inward.

The side flaps will be placed at the rear of the sandal base on either side of the Shoe in the same position, across from each other. They will start at about 2 and ½ in. From the back of the heal inward and stop 3 and ¼ in. At the inward Part of the shoe. The foam inbetween the fabric creates a padding for the foot. These flaps will be between the buckles and the foot for safety and wear.

Sheet 2/, FIG. 4, shows how thw bottom half of the sandal will look when FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 are put together. FIG.>4A., is the surface of the hard Bottom sole. FIG. 4B., is the flaps attached by glue and sewn onto the surface Of the hard bottom sole.

Sheet 2/, FIG. 4C, is another application of glue applied to the surface side Of the glued down flaps.

Sheet2/, FIG. 5 A, is the instep top sole of the sandal at the backside. This top sole lays down on top of the surface area of the bottom sole and attached Flaps. The top sole is about ¼ in. Thick overall. This top sole is pre-measured And fitted to fit inside the bottom hard sole and lays on top of the bottom hard sole And is layed on top of the glue that is on the surface of the bottom hard sole.

Sheet 2/, FIG. 5B. Is the top surface of the instep sole that the foot will rest on.

Sheet 3/, FIG.>6A. Is the loop that the receiver buckle attaches to. The loop is made of fabricated material by choice, however, in this application Suede was used with a thickness of about 1/16 in. and durable for strength. The material for the loop is about ¼ in. wide by ¾ in. Long. The plastic buckle receiver piece attaches to this loop. The measured loop material is Put thru the bottom bar of the plastic reciever buckle and looped thru it. The two Ends of the looped material connect together at the bottom of the loop. The Looped material is then sewn together at the bottom end with about an 1/16 in. Hem Line from the outer bottom edge going inward towards the buckle. The loop is sewn Across it's bottom from side to side and secured to the side flap at it's outer face. The buckle attached to this loop will be described in FIG. 7. Sheet 3/, FIG. 6B shows The hem line of the sewn together loops. It also shows the positioning of the loop On the front end of the sandal. Sheet 3/, FIG. 6 C., and FIG. 6D. Show the position Of the loops on the rear side flaps of the shoe. *note; All loops on the shoe are made The same in size and measures. Each loop is positioned on the flaps in a position That accompanies the straps for a particular shoe style. For this application the Position of the loops are, Sheet 3/, FIG. 6A, the loop is placed in the center of The side flap at the bottom edge of the flap about ¾ in. Inward from the Outer edge of the flap. It is sewn onto the flap at the bottom edge of the top insole And points straight up and down. Sheet 3/, FIG. 6C., shows the back flap with the Attached loop. It is placed at the bottom middle of the flap face and angled to point Slightly towards the front top edge of the flap. It is angled at about a 45 degree angle Pointing to the front of the shoe. Sheet 3/, FIG. 6D., is positioned to point to the Rear upper, side edge of the heal flap. It is placed about 1 and ¼ in. From the outer Edge of the back flap to hold the receiver buckle on.

Sheet 3/, FIG.>7A., shows the enclosed bar end of the receiver buckle and the Loop that is looped thru it. All loops are attached to the buckle in this way. Sheet 3/, FIG. 7B., is the upper half of the receiver buckle that the straps clip in to. This is the front reciever buckle and it is applied to both front sides the same In position and location. Sheet 3/, FIG. 7C. and FIG. 7D are also the receiver buckle Top ends and this shows the position that applies to them to receive the straps On both sides of the shoe. At no time will the buckle touch the foot, but the Buckles will rest against the outer face of the flaps.

Sheet 4/, FIG. 8A., is the fabricated straps. They can be made of different material That is strong enough for footwear. In this process suede was used of 1/16 In. Thickness. The material measures ½ in. Wide by 8 and ½ in. Long. The strap thickness should be at least 1/16 in. Thick for strength.

Sheet 4/, FIG. 8B., shows how the strap end loops thru the open bar end of the Plastic buckle recepticle which has a ½ in. Piece of material on the bottom face Of the strap being FIG. 8B. Sheet 4/, FIG. 8C. Is the plastic, clip in buckle Recepticle that clips into the buckle receiver on the side flaps. These plastic clip Buckles are pre made and purchased on todays market. They are 1 and ¼ in. Long and about ¾ in. Across. They are about ¼ in. Thick. They have three Prongs that clip into their receiver ends and lock into place. They consist of both the Receiver end and the recepticle end of the buckle. Sheet 4/, FIG.>8D., is the seam Line where the loop is attached together and sewn on the back face of the strap. The seam is about 1/16 in. From the edge of the loop end. The seam is sewn across The loop end on the back face of the strap.

Sheet 4/, FIG. 8E., is the velcro strip sewn sticky side up onto the front face Of the strap. It is about 1 in. By ½ in. Square. It is used to adjust the straps. Sheet 4/, FIG. 8F., is the second velcro strip sewn onto the front face of the Strap. It is about 1 and ½ in. Long by ½ in. Wide. It is positioned at the other end Of the strap about 1/16 in. From the tip end of the strap.

Sheet 4/, FIG. 9A., shows how the other end of the strap folds thru the open Recepticle bar end of the plastic buckle. It will loop thru the open end of the Recepticle buckle and overlap the front face of the strap with the backface Of the strap. The two pieces will connect together by the velcro strips on the Front and back face of the straps, see FIG. 9B. The receiver buckles are permanently attached to the side flaps. The recepticle buckles are permanently attached to one end of the straps While the other end of the strap loops thru a recepticle bar end and stays connected Together by the velcro strips. The straps can be adjusted for fit by moveing the strap Position and locking the velcro closur together.

Sheet 5/, FIG. 10. Shows the straps in their applied positions and the sandal Bottom receivers they attach to. The straps will be made in sets of three. They may be made in various colors or prints that can be used on one shoe.

Sheet 6/, FIG. 11., shows the sandal with the straps clipped into the receiver Buckles. This is a top view of the completed shoe. The straps unclip for Change of the straps and for replaceing them with different color or print Straps. The straps are manufactured by sewing machine and hand assembly. The clip in buckles are pre made and purchased. The side flaps are manufactured by sewing machine commercial grade and So are the loops. The bottom of the sandal soles are manufactured by machine or may be pre made To be compatible to the straps and used with them. A prototype model is available if required. It is built to compare to an actual Shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The process of making and useing the “COLOR CHANGEABLE SANDALS”, Is as follows:

On sheet 1/, FIG. 1, is a hard bottom sole of the sandal which is the

Foundation of the footwear. The hard bottom sole may be a pre manufactured Sole that has side flaps for the attachment of the loop. The bottom sole may be one that is a prior sandal bottom design manufactured by Another as long as it has side flaps in the design that will accommodate the loop Attachments for use with straps. For the purpose of this application the side Flap demensions are included as well as the suggested flap design that work Well with the buckle receivers. The material type for the sandal bottom must be strong enough to secure the use And wear of the side flaps and straps by both adults and children.

It is suggested that a hard bottom be used for this purpose along with a Soft instep sole made of durable material. This creates the maximum protection And safety for wear with the changeable straps. Thickness of the soles may vary, but the strength of the sole should be considered. The arch should not be any higher then ⅜ of an inch. The thickness of the bottom sole at the heel in this application is ¾ in. From Top to bottom. The thickness at the front end of the bottom sole is about ½ in. thick.

Sheet 1/, FIG.>1B., is the top surface of the bottom sole.

Sheet 1, FIG. 2, is the sandal front end side flaps. Sheet 1, FIG. 2, is the sandal front end side flaps. These are made of a fabric Piece on the front face being 2 and ½ in. Long by 2 and ¼ in. Wide. Sheet 1, FIG. 2A., is cut out and rounded at the top. This top piece is placed Over a ¼ in. Thick piece of sponge type foam that is cut and measures 1 and ¼ in. In height by 2 inches wide. Another piece of fabric is cut and Placed at the back face of the foam. This fabric measures the same as the front Of fabric with an added ¼ in. In length for the backface fabric to overlap onto the Frontface fabric all across the top edge of the flap from edge to edge of the cut Fabric.

Sheet 1, FIG. 2B., The pieces are then sewn together by machine allowing a ⅛ in. Seam line all around the entire. Another seam line is sewn from edge to edge Across the bottom of the upper half of the side flap about middle way of the Entire flap to create a bend at this point. Sheet 1, FIG.>2C.

Sheet 1, FIG.>2D. The bottom half, about 1 to 1 and ¼ in. Wide by 2 in. Long Being the front face of the material side flap will lay face down onto the surface of The hard bottom sole.

Sheet 1, FIG. 3, is the back end, side flap of the shoe. Sheet 1, FIG. 3 A. Is the top half of the fabric side flaps. This piece of front face fabric is 4 and ¼ In. Long by about 3 and ½ in. Wide at the top half, and 3 and ½ in. Wide at the Bottom half of this side flap. Sheet 1/, FIG. 3, Again, a piece of foam about ¼ in. Thick is cut the same size as the top half of the rear side flaps. Another piece of Fabric is cut with the same measures as the front face side of the flap allowing An extra ¼ in. Overall. The piece of foam is placed between the two pieces Of fabric at the top half of the flap. The two fabric pieces and foam piece are Then sewn together with the back face overlapping and folding over onto The front face about ¼ in. The piece of foam is placed between the two pieces of fabric at the top half of the Flap. Sheet 1, FIG. 3A., The two fabric pieces and the foam piece are then Sewn together with the back face overlapping and folding over onto the front Face about ¼ in. Sheet 1, FIG. 3B., is the seam line where the fabric is Sewn together about ⅛ in. All around the edge of the entire flap. Sheet 1, FIG.>3C., has a seam line sewn across the middle of the flap from side to Side to create a fold or bend between the top and bottom halves of the flap.

Sheet 1, FIG. 3 D., is the bottom half of the rear flaps. It is about 3 and ½ in. Long By 1 in. Wide. The rear flaps are made identical to each other.

Sheet 2, FIG. 4, is the hard bottom sole being FIG. 1A., and the top surface of It being FIG. 1B. The shaded circles show where shoe strength glue is placed On top of the surface of the hard bottom sole. SEE SHEET 1/, FIG. 1. Sheet 2/, FIG. 2, is the front side flaps on both sides of the front end of the shoe. These side flaps are placed on top of the glued surface of the bottom sole and Then machine sewn onto the hard bottom sole.

Sheet 2/, FIG. 4C, Another small amount of the glue is placed on top of the Half of the flap piece that is glued to the surface of the bottom sole being Sheet 2/, FIG. 2A. Both sides have the flaps placed in equal positions on the Bottom sole at the front end. Sheet 2/, FIG. 3, of FIG. 4, is the back side flaps. These are placed onto the hard bottom sole onto the glue and then sewn by Machine to the surface of the sole. These flaps are placed in the same position On both sides of the back surface of the sole. Sheet 2, FIG. 2, The front flaps Extend about 1 in. Inward from the tipo of the toe end. Sheet 2/, FIG. 3, The back Flaps extend about 2 and ½ in. Inward from the edge of the heel. Again, a small amount of glue is placed on top of the back flaps on the surface of the Sole see sheet 2/, FIG. 4C. Sheet 2/, FIG. 5, is the top sole of the shoe. It should be made of durable fabric with Some cushioning in it. It is about ¼ in. Thick.

Sheet 2/, FIG. 5A., is the top instep sole. FIG. 5 B., is the top surface of the instep Sole. FIG. 5 A, is placed on top of FIG. 4, overall, and fits borderline around the Perimeter of the bottom sole. It is then pressed down onto the glue spots For drying. The top surface of this instep sole should be soft fabric that is durable for Footwear. A crushed low pile fabric does nicely. A fairly hard instep sole may be used also with a ¼ in. Thickness overall. Sheet 3/, FIG. 6A., is a material loop made of fabric that is about 1 in. Long By ¼ in. Wide. It is made of durable fabric such as suede, denim, or other. This loop of material being FIG. 6A, on sheet 3/, loops thru the botttom Open end of sheet 3/, FIG. 7A. And around the bar to connect both edges of the Fabric loop together for sewing onto the side flaps. The loop on sheet 3/, being FIG. 6 A., is positioned to point towards the top of the flap. It is placed near the Bottom edge of the top half of the flap. S3/, FIG. 6C, and FIG. 6 D., shows the position of the loops on the rear side flaps Front face. Sheet 3/, FIG. 7 B., is the receiver plastic, clip in buckle attached to the Loop. Sheet 3/, FIG. 7C., and FIG. 7D., are also receiver end plastic clip in buckles Positioned on the rear side flaps front face. The loops and receiver buckles Are put together the same and in the same position on both sides of the shoe and on All four side flaps. Sheet 4/, FIG. 8A., is a color change strap made with plastic, Clip in recepticles on each end of the strap. Sheet 4/, FIG. 8B., is the strap end that loops thru the open bar end Of the three prong plastic, recepticle and wraps arouond it to connect the edges of The fabric strap end together. Sheet 4/, FIG. 8 C., is the plastic, three prong, clip in buckle recepticle that Attaches permanently to one end of the strap. Sheet 4/, FIG. 8D., Is the seam line where the edge of the loop is sewn onto the back face of the strap. This bottom part of the loop is about ½ in. Long by ½ in. Wide from the recepticle Bar. Sheet 4/, FIG. 8E., is a velcro strip attached by sewing onto the front face Of the strap about 1 in. From the end that is permanently attached. The velcro is sewn on with the rough side showing. The straps are 8 and ¼ in. Long by ½ in. Wide. Thickness is about ⅛ in. Sheet 4/, FIG. 8 f. is another velcro strip attached and sewn onto the front Face of the strap at the adjustible end of the strap. This strip is a little longer then The first one. The strip is about 2 in. Long by ½ in. Wide. It is placed rough side up Onto the top face of the strap from the strap end inward towards the other strap end.

Sheet 4/, FIG. 9, shows a completed strap. FIG. 9 A., shows how the open strap End goes thru and wraps over the recepticle buckle on the strap. The front face with velcro attaches to the top side of the other piece of velcro for fit Adjustment and wear. This end of the strap with the clip in recepticle then clips into The receiver buckle permanently attached to the side flap. The other end with a permanently attached clip in recepticle end clips in to The receiver buckle thats permanently attached to the other side flap. SEE SHEET 5/, FIG. 10.

The straps come in sets of three and may be used as solid colors or printed designs On them, or both to create a desired color change design on the shoe by use of The straps. Sheet 6/, FIG. 11, shows the top view of the completed sandal with the Clip in buckle straps attached to it. There is a total of six clip in buckles and Three straps applied to each single shoe. The clip in buckles and straps Are durable and safe for footwear. The clips measure about 1 in. Long By ½ in. Wide by about ¼ in. Thick when buckled together. All are the Same size and the clips are pre made and may be purchased on todays market. The clip in buckles may be painted for color choice.

1. I, ALPHA COLLETT and TUNYA ROGERS being the inventors here in Have invented the “COLOR CHANGEABLE SANDALS”, and attachable straps Which consist of the following which we claim as our invention; 

1. The color and design changeable straps made with plastic, clip in Buckle recepticles on each end of the straps and that are adjustible by means Of velcro strips attached to the straps. The straps being removable and And replaceable on the sandal base made with side flaps.
 2. The fabricated side flaps that have a loop attached to the outer sides That the receiver buckle attaches to permanently thru the loop. The receiver buckle connects the color change straps to the sandal bottom for wear.
 3. The applied concept and use of plastic clip in buckles on the changeable Straps and on the sandal side fabricated flaps that the receiver buckle attaches To on the sandal bottom for wear. 